Surgical instruments incorporating light energy tissue treatment functionality

ABSTRACT

A tissue-treating portion of a surgical instrument includes a body defining a cavity and a light-energy transmissible sphere captured within the cavity such that a portion of the light-energy transmissible sphere protrudes from the body. The light-energy transmissible sphere is capable of unlimited rotation in all directions relative to the body. The light-energy transmission cable extends through the body to a position spaced-apart from the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmissible sphere, in turn, is configured focus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/471,108, filed on Mar. 14, 2017, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of surgicalinstruments. In particular, the present disclosure relates to surgicalinstruments configured for treating tissue with light energy andmulti-function surgical instruments incorporating light energy tissuetreatment functionality.

2. Background of Related Art

Energy-based surgical instruments are widely used by surgeons to treatvarious different tissues in various different manners. Theseenergy-based surgical instruments utilize various different forms ofenergy such as, for example, RF energy, ultrasonic energy, microwaveenergy, thermal energy, light energy, etc., and are capable of achievingvarious tissue effects such as, for example, energy-based dissection,coagulation, cauterization, sealing, etc.

Energy-based surgical pencils, for example, may be utilized to dissectthrough tissue and/or along the surface of tissue, to cauterize tissue,to spot coagulate tissue, or for other purposes. Such energy-basedsurgical pencils may be stand-alone devices, or may be incorporated intomulti-function devices. When used in conjunction with energy-basedsurgical forceps, for example, the energy-based surgical pencils may beutilized to provide access to target tissue and/or to treat surroundingtissue. The surgical forceps may then be utilized to treat the targettissue, utilizing both mechanical clamping action and energy to effecthemostasis by heating the target tissue to treat, e.g., coagulate,cauterize, and/or seal, the target tissue. Energy-based surgical pencilsmay likewise be used in conjunction with other surgical instruments(whether stand-alone or incorporated therein), such as otherenergy-based instruments, surgical clip appliers, surgical staplers,mechanical graspers, etc.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is beingdescribed which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refersto the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described hereinmay be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspectsdescribed herein.

Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is atissue-treating portion of a surgical instrument. The tissue-treatingportion includes a body defining a cavity and a light-energytransmissible sphere captured within the cavity such that a portion ofthe light-energy transmissible sphere protrudes from the body. Thelight-energy transmissible sphere is capable of unlimited rotation inall directions relative to the body. A light-energy transmission cableextends through the body to a position spaced-apart from thelight-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmission cableis configured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissiblesphere. The light-energy transmissible sphere, in turn, is configured tofocus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the cavity of the body includesa pocket and a distal mouth in communication with the pocket. Thelight-energy transmissible sphere defines a diameter greater than adiameter of the distal mouth and less than a diameter of the pocket suchthat the light-energy transmissible sphere is captured within the pocketwith a portion of the light-energy transmissible sphere extendingthrough the distal mouth to protrude from a distal end portion of thebody.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the light-energytransmission cable extends to a position proximally spaced-apart fromthe light-energy transmissible sphere.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a second light-energytransmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to thelight-energy transmissible sphere to treat tissue. Alternatively oradditionally, one or more second light-energy transmission cables areconfigured to pass light through the light-energy transmissible spherefor reflection from tissue to enable the detection of at least oneproperty of tissue and/or to detect at least one property of tissue byreceiving light energy reflected from tissue.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid-deliverylumen is disposed in communication with the cavity. The fluid-deliverylumen is configured to deliver fluid to the cavity in the body. Inembodiments, the fluid suspends the light-energy transmissible spherewithin the body, and flows out of the body into a surgical site.Further, a suction lumen may be operably associated with the body andconfigured to permit withdrawal of the fluid from the surgical site.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure sensoris disposed within the cavity. The one pressure sensor is configured tosense a pressure of the sphere against an interior surface of the bodythat defines the cavity.

A surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure includes a shaft defining a distal end portion, a cavitydefined within the distal end portion of the shaft and including apocket and a distal mouth in communication with the pocket, alight-energy transmissible sphere disposed within the cavity, and alight-energy transmission cable extending through the shaft to aposition proximally spaced-apart from the light-energy transmissiblesphere. The light-energy transmissible sphere defines a diameter greaterthan a diameter of the distal mouth and less than a diameter of thepocket such that the light-energy transmissible sphere is capturedwithin the pocket with a portion of the light-energy transmissiblesphere extending through the distal mouth to protrude from the distalend portion of the shaft. The light-energy transmissible sphere iscapable of unlimited rotation in all directions relative to the distalend portion of the shaft. The light-energy transmission cable isconfigured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissiblesphere, while the light-energy transmissible sphere is configured tofocus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a second light-energytransmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to thelight-energy transmissible sphere to treat tissue. Alternatively oradditionally, one or more second light-energy transmission cables areconfigured to pass light through the light-energy transmissible spherefor reflection from tissue to enable the detection at least one propertyof tissue and/or to detect at least one property of tissue by receivinglight energy reflected from tissue.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid-delivery lumenextends through the shaft and is disposed in communication with thecavity. The fluid-delivery lumen is configured to deliver fluid to thecavity in the body. In embodiments, the fluid suspends the light-energytransmissible sphere within the body, and flows out of the body into asurgical site. Further, a suction lumen may be operably associated withthe shaft and configured to permit withdrawal of the fluid from thesurgical site.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure sensor isdisposed within the cavity. The pressure sensor is configured to sense apressure of the sphere against an interior surface of the distal endportion of the shaft that defines the cavity.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the surgical instrumentfurther includes a handle. The shaft is coupled to and extends distallyfrom the handle. The handle includes an activation switch selectivelyactivatable to supply light energy to the light-energy transmissiblesphere.

Another surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure includes a shaft and an end effector assemblyextending distally from the shaft. The end effector assembly includesfirst and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relativeto the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximatedposition. One or both of the jaw members is adapted to connect to asource of energy for treating tissue grasped between the jaw members. Abody is operably associated with one of the first or second jaw members,the body defines a cavity including a pocket and a distal mouth incommunication with the pocket. A light-energy transmissible sphere isdisposed within the cavity. The light-energy transmissible spheredefines a diameter greater than a diameter of the distal mouth and lessthan a diameter of the pocket such that the light-energy transmissiblesphere is captured within the pocket with a portion of the light-energytransmissible sphere extending through the distal mouth to protrudedistally from the body. The light-energy transmissible sphere is capableof unlimited rotation in all directions relative to the body. Alight-energy transmission cable extends through the shaft to a positionproximally spaced-apart from the light-energy transmissible sphere. Thelight-energy transmission cable is configured to transmit light energyto the light-energy transmissible sphere which, in turn, is configuredto focus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the light-energy transmissiblesphere is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the end effector assemblyat least when the first and second jaw members are disposed in theapproximated position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a second light-energytransmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to thelight-energy transmissible sphere to treat tissue. Alternatively oradditionally, one or more second light-energy transmission cables areconfigured to pass light through the light-energy transmissible spherefor reflection from tissue to enable the detection at least one propertyof tissue and/or to detect at least one property of tissue by receivinglight energy reflected from tissue.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid-delivery lumenextends through the one of the first or second jaw members and isdisposed in communication with the cavity. The fluid-delivery lumen isconfigured to deliver fluid to the cavity in the body. In embodiments,the fluid suspends the light-energy transmissible sphere within thebody, and flows out of the body into a surgical site. Further, a suctionlumen may be operably associated with the end effector assembly andconfigured to permit withdrawal of the fluid from the surgical site.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure sensor isdisposed within the cavity. The pressure sensor is configured to sense apressure of the sphere against an interior surface of the body thatdefines the cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are describedhereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein like numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements in each of the severalviews:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical pencil provided in accordancewith the present disclosure wherein a distal end portion of the surgicalpencil is enlarged to better illustrate the features thereof;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the distalend portion of the surgical pencil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the distalend portion of another surgical pencil provided in accordance with thepresent disclosure, similar to the surgical pencil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the distalend portion of another surgical pencil provided in accordance with thepresent disclosure, similar to the surgical pencil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2D is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the distalend portion of another surgical pencil provided in accordance with thepresent disclosure, similar to the surgical pencil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-function surgical instrumentprovided in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of one of thejaw members of the end effector assembly of the multi-function surgicalinstrument of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of anotherend effector assembly configured for use with the multi-functionsurgical instrument of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a robotic surgical systemconfigured for use in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments configured fortreating tissue with light energy, e.g., surgical pencil 100 (FIG. 1),and multi-function surgical instruments incorporating light energytissue treatment functionality, e.g., surgical forceps 500 (FIG. 3).However, although the aspects and features of the present disclosure aredetailed hereinbelow with respect to surgical pencil 100 (FIG. 1) andsurgical forceps 500 (FIG. 3), the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure are equally applicable for use with other suitable surgicalinstrument configurations, whether stand-alone light energy tissuetreatment instruments or multi-function surgical instrumentsincorporating light energy tissue treatment functionality. Althoughdifferent mechanical and electrical considerations apply to eachparticular configuration of surgical instrument; however, the aspectsand features of the present disclosure with respect to light energytissue treatment remain generally consistent regardless of theparticular configuration of surgical instrument used.

Turning to FIG. 1, surgical pencil 100 generally includes a handle 110,a shaft 120 extending distally from handle 110, one or more activationswitches 130 operably disposed on handle 110, and a tissue-treatingportion 140 supported on a distal end portion 122 of shaft 120. Surgicalpencil 100 may be coupled to a light energy surgical generator (notshown) or other suitable light energy source via a cord 150 or,alternatively, may be configured as a cordless device incorporatingportable power and light energy generating components (not shown) on orwithin handle 110. More specifically, light energy transmission cable(s)160, e.g., fiber optic cable(s), and/or control wire(s) 170, e.g.,electrical wires, are configured to extend through cord 150 and surgicalpencil 100 to interconnect the light energy surgical generator (notshown), activation switch 130, and tissue-treating portion 140 with oneanother to enable the selective supply of light energy totissue-treating portion 140 for treating tissue upon activation ofactivation switch 130. Activation switch 130 may be a slide-switch (asshown) or may be configured as a push button switch, rocker switch, etc.Further, activation switch 130 may be configured as an ON/OFF switch, aprogressive switch, a discrete multi-position switch, or may includemultiple switches. Progressive and discrete multi-position switches, andconfigurations where multiple switches are provided, enable theselective supply of light energy to tissue-treating portion 140 atdifferent intensity settings, e.g., low and high power, and/or withdifferent energy characteristics, e.g., wavelengths, to providedifferent tissue treatment effects, e.g., dissection, cauterization,coagulation, blends thereof, etc. Control wire(s) 170 communicate theposition of the activation switch(es) 130 to light energy surgicalgenerator (not shown) such that an appropriate light energy istransmitted therefrom to tissue-treating portion 140.

With additional reference to FIG. 2A, tissue-treating portion 140, asmentioned above, is supported on a distal end portion 122 of shaft 120,which serves as the body of tissue-treating portion 140. Tissue-treatingportion 140 includes a sphere 142 captured within distal end portion 122of shaft 120 such that a portion of sphere 142 protrudes distally fromdistal end portion 122 of shaft 120 and such that sphere 142 is capableof unlimited rotation in any direction relative to shaft 120. To achievethis configuration, sphere 142 is disposed within a cavity 124 definedwithin distal end portion 122 of shaft 120. Cavity 124 includes a pocket125 defining a diameter greater than that of sphere 142, a proximalthroat 127 communicating with pocket 125 and defining a diameter lessthan that of sphere 142, and a distal mouth 129 communicating withpocket 125 and defining a diameter less than that of sphere 142 butsufficiently great so as to enable a portion of sphere 142 to extendtherethrough and protrude distally from distal end portion 122 of shaft120. As an alternative to open proximal throat 127, cavity 124 maydefine a closed proximal throat, except for a window configured topermit light energy transmission cable(s) 160 or light energy therefrominto cavity 124 to sphere 142. Distal end portion 122 of shaft 120 maybe formed from two or more shaft components engaged to one another todefine cavity 124 therein, or may include various other componentssecured to one another to define cavity 124 therebetween.

Sphere 142 is formed from a biocompatible material enabling transmissionof light energy therethrough. More specifically, sphere 142 isconfigured to enable transmission of light energy within atissue-treating wavelength range, e.g., a wavelength range from about500 nm to about 2500 nm, therethrough, although other wavelength rangesmay also be provided. Suitable materials for sphere 142 for this purposeinclude, but are not limited to sapphire, ruby, glass, crystal,combinations thereof, etc.

As noted above, energy transmission cable(s) 160 is configured to extendthrough cord 150 and surgical pencil 100 to interconnect the lightenergy surgical generator (not shown), activation switch 130, andtissue-treating portion 140 with one another. More specifically, a lightenergy transmission cable 160, e.g., a fiber optic cable or othersuitable light energy transmission component, extends through shaft 120to proximal throat 127, wherein light energy transmission cable 160 isproximally-spaced from sphere 142. Light energy transmission cable 160is configured to direct light energy to sphere 142 which, in turn,focuses the light energy distally from distal end portion 122 of shaft120 towards adjacent tissue to treat the adjacent tissue. Optics (notshown) may also be provided to facilitate the direction of light fromthe light energy transmission cable 160 to sphere 142. The shaftportions and/or other components of distal end portion 122 of shaft 120are formed from material(s) with no or low light energy transmissibilityto inhibit stray light energy from reaching tissue that is not intendedto be treated. To this end, hoods, reflectors, and other structures (notshown) may be provided to redirect and/or confine light energy to adesired treatment area in the vicinity of sphere 142.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2A, in use, surgical pencil 100 ispositioned such that the portion of sphere 142 protruding distally fromdistal end portion 122 of shaft 120 contacts tissue to be treated, whiledistal end portion 122 of shaft 120 remains spaced from the tissue to betreated. Once positioned in this manner, activation switch 130 may beactivated in a suitable fashion such that a desired light energy istransmitted to and focused from sphere 142 towards adjacent tissue totreat tissue. During tissue treatment, surgical pencil 100 may be movedalong the surface of tissue in any direction and may change from onedirection to any other direction. As surgical pencil 100 is moved inthis manner, sphere 142 is rotated within cavity 124 and relative totissue and shaft 120. Thus, sphere 142 is maintained in contact withtissue and smoothly rolls therealong regardless of the direction ofmovement of surgical pencil 100 or the change in direction of surgicalpencil 100, and without impacting the transmission of light energy tosphere or the focusing of light energy from sphere 142 towards tissue totreat tissue. Further, light energy is advantageous in that it does notrequire a return pad or return electrical path and does not result inthe possibility of alternative current paths.

Turning to FIG. 2B, in conjunction with FIG. 1, in embodiments, shaft120 may define a fluid-delivery lumen 220 extending therethrough that isconfigured to direct fluid “F” between sphere 142 and the interiorsurface(s) of distal end portion 122 of shaft 120 that defines cavity124. The fluid “F” may be a gas, liquid, or other suitable fluid, andmay be pumped from a reservoir (not shown) disposed on or within handle110 or from a remote reservoir (not shown) via one or more tubesextending through cord 150 or a separate cord (not shown). The pump (notshown) may likewise be disposed on or within handle 110 or remotetherefrom. Fluid-delivery lumen 220, in addition to serving as a supplyline for fluid “F,” may also house light energy transmission cable 160,although separate lumens for the fluid “F” and light energy transmissioncable 160 may alternatively be provided. The supply of fluid “F” may beinitiated upon activation of activation switch 130 (simultaneouslytherewith, or offset before or after the initiation of energy supply) orvia a separate switch (not shown).

In use, the supply of fluid “F” about sphere 142 maintains a positivepressure on sphere 142 so as to resiliently retain sphere 142 in a“floating” position, wherein sphere 142 protrudes distally from distalend portion 122 of shaft 120 despite opposing forces acting thereon fromtissue in contact with sphere 142. This configuration helps maintainsphere 142 in contact with tissue as sphere 142 travels across irregulartissue surfaces, different tissue types, and other tissue features. Theexpulsion of fluid “F” from distal end portion 122 of shaft 120 alsoinhibits debris and other materials from collecting on sphere 142 andpassing between sphere 142 and distal end portion 122 of shaft 120 andinto cavity 124. In addition, the flow of fluid “F” helps cooltissue-treating portion 140 of surgical pencil 100 and/or surroundingtissue during tissue treatment.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 2B, in conjunction with FIG. 1, shaft120 may further include one or more suction lumens 230 operable toconnect to a pump (not shown) to suction fluid “F” from the surgicalsite into surgical pencil 100 and return fluid “F” to a reservoir (notshown). Fluid “F” may be pumped out of surgical pencil 100 and suctionedback into surgical pencil 100 as part of a semi-closed loop system or anopen loop system. Further, a single inflow/outflow reservoir (on orwithin handle 100 or remote therefrom) may be utilized, or separatereservoirs (on or within handle 100 or remote therefrom) may beprovided. The suction lumen 230 may be an annular lumen (as shown)defined through shaft 120 or may include separate lumens arranged inother suitable fashions within shaft 120 or within an outer sleeve (notshown) surrounding shaft 120. A separate suction device (not shown) mayalternatively be utilized to withdraw fluid “F” from the surgical site.

Turning to FIG. 2C, in conjunction with FIG. 1, in embodiments, multiplelight energy transmission cables 360 may be provided. One or more of thelight energy transmission cables 360 may be configured, as detailedabove, to transmit light energy to sphere 142 such that sphere 142focuses the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue. Providingmultiple light energy transmission cables 360 enables a combination ofdifferent wavelengths of light energy to be transmitted to sphere 142and, ultimately, to tissue, to achieve a desired tissue effect.

One or more of the other light energy transmission cables 360 may serveas an optical sensor configured to sense one or more optical propertiesof tissue to determine tissue type, monitor tissue treatment, determinetissue temperature, determine electrical characteristics of tissue, etc.More specifically, one light energy transmission cable 360 may serve asan emitter and another light energy transmission cable 360 may collectlight reflected from tissue to serve as a detector, although otherconfigurations may also be provided. Optical tissue property informationcollected by one or more of the light energy transmission cables 360 maybe communicated to the light energy surgical generator (not shown) toenable monitoring of tissue treatment, automatic shut off (for safetypurposes and/or upon completion of tissue treatment), automaticadjustment of energy levels and/or waveforms during tissue treatment,and/or to inhibit treatment of certain tissue types. Suitable opticalsensors and optical feedback mechanisms for the above purposes aredisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0296238, filedon May 16, 2011; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0217258,filed on Jan. 30, 2008; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2012/0226272, filed on Mar. 4, 2011, the entire contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 2D, in conjunction with FIG. 1, in embodiments,tissue-treating portion 140 of surgical pencil 100 includes one or morepressure sensors 420 disposed on the interior surface(s) of distal endportion 122 of shaft 120 that define cavity 124. Pressure sensors 420are configured to sense a pressure exerted by sphere 142 against theinterior surface(s) of distal end portion 122 of shaft 120 to, in turn,determine a pressure exerted by sphere 142 against tissue in contacttherewith and/or a compressibility of tissue in contact with sphere 142.In this manner, surgical pencil 100 may function as a touch probe,either during tissue treatment or independently thereof. When usedduring tissue treatment, pressure information from pressure sensors 420may be communicated to the light energy surgical generator (not shown)via control wires 170 to enable monitoring of tissue treatment,automatic shut off (for safety purposes and/or upon completion of tissuetreatment), automatic adjustment of energy levels and/or waveformsduring tissue treatment, and/or to inhibit treatment of certain tissuetypes. It should be understood that pressure sensors 420 will sensepressure exerted by sphere 142 against the interior surface(s) of distalend portion 122 of shaft 120 even in those embodiments (such as is shownin FIG. 2B) where fluid in interposed between sphere 142 and theinterior surface(s) of distal end portion 122 of shaft 120.

Turning to FIG. 3, surgical forceps 500 generally includes a housing510, a shaft 520 extending distally from housing 510, an end effectorassembly 530 disposed at a distal end portion of shaft 520, a movablehandle 540, a trigger 550, a rotation knob 560, a first activationswitch 570, a second activation switch 580, and a cord 600. End effectorassembly 530 includes first and second jaw members 532, 534 and alight-energy tissue-treating portion 640, as detailed below.

Movable handle 540 is operably coupled to housing 510 and movablerelative to a stationary handle portion 512 of housing 510 between aninitial position and a compressed position. A drive assembly (not shown)extends through housing 510 and shaft 520 and is operably coupledbetween movable handle 540 and first and second jaw members 532, 534 ofend effector assembly 530 such that movement of movable handle 540between the initial position and the compressed position pivots one orboth of jaw members 532, 534 relative to the other between aspaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissuetherebetween. A suitable drive assembly for these purposes is detailedin U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2013/0296922 to Allen, I V et al.,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

Trigger 550 is operably coupled to housing 510 and movable relativethereto between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. Aknife deployment assembly (not shown) extends through housing 510 andshaft 520 and is operably coupled between trigger 550 and a knife (notshown) associated with end effector assembly 530 such that movement oftrigger 550 from the un-actuated position to the actuated positionadvances the knife from a retracted position to an extended position,wherein the knife extends between jaw members 532, 534 to cut tissuedisposed therebetween. A knife and knife deployment assembly for thesepurposes is detailed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2013/0296922 toAllen, I V et al., previously incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Rotation knob 560 is operably associated with housing 510 and extendsfrom either side thereof to enable manual manipulation by a user.Rotation knob 560 is coupled to shaft 520 which, in turn, supports endeffector assembly 530 at a distal end portion thereof. As a result,rotation of rotation knob 560 in either direction rotates shaft 520 andend effector assembly 530 relative to housing 510 in a correspondingdirection.

First and second activation switches 570, 580 are disposed on housing510, while cord 600 extends from housing 510. Cord 600 is adapted toconnect to a multi-output surgical generator configured to deliverbipolar RF energy and light energy to surgical forceps 500, althoughcord 600 may be bifurcated (or separate cords provided) and configuredto couple to two separate generators, one for RF energy and the otherfor light energy. Alternatively, the RF energy-generating components andpower components therefor may be disposed on or within housing 510and/or the light energy-generating components and power componentstherefor may be disposed on or within housing 510. As an alternative tofirst and second jaw members 532, 534 being configured to supply RFenergy to tissue grasped therebetween, other suitable energy modalitiesand/or manners of treating tissue grasped between first and second jawmembers 532, 534 are also contemplated, e.g., ultrasonic, light energy,microwave, cryogenic, argon plasma, etc. Further, the light-energytissue-treatment features of the present disclosure may be incorporatedinto other surgical instruments including energy-based surgicalinstruments, e.g., ultrasonic surgical instruments, microwave surgicalinstruments, cryogenic surgical instruments, etc., and/or mechanicalsurgical instruments, e.g., graspers, shavers, clip appliers, staplers,etc.

Cord 600 includes a plurality of electrical lead wires (not shown)extending therethrough and into housing 510. The electrical lead wires(not shown) are configured to electrically couple the generator withfirst activation switch 570 and jaw members 532, 534 of end effectorassembly 530 such that RF energy is supplied to tissue-treating plates533, 535 of jaw members 532, 534, upon activation of activation switch570. As such, RF energy may be conducted through tissue grasped betweentissue-treating plates 533, 535 of jaw members 532, 534, respectively,to treat, e.g., seal, tissue. Second activation switch 580, similar toactivation switch 130 of surgical pencil 100 (FIG. 1), is operablycoupled to a light-energy transmission cable 644 and the generator toenable the selective supply of light energy to light-energytissue-treating portion 640 for treating tissue upon activation ofsecond activation switch 580. Second activation switch 580 may beconfigured similarly to any of the embodiments of activation switch 130(FIG. 1) detailed above.

With additional reference to FIG. 4A, jaw member 534 of end effectorassembly 530 of surgical forceps 500 includes light-energytissue-treating portion 640 incorporated therein. Jaw member 534 definesa jaw housing 536 which supports tissue-treating plate 535 thereon andincludes light-energy transmission cable 644 extending therethrough.Light-energy tissue-treating portion 640 includes a sphere 642 capturedwithin a cavity 538 defined within jaw housing 536, which serves as thebody of tissue-treating portion 640. Light-energy transmission cable 644is proximally-spaced from sphere 462. Light-energy tissue-treatingportion 640 may be configured similarly to any of the embodiments oflight-energy tissue-treating portion 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D) detailedabove. Light-energy tissue-treating portion 640 may also provide any ofthe functionality detailed above with respect to tissue-treating portion140 (FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D) together with the functionality of grasping,treating, and/or cutting tissue provided by effector assembly 530, thusmaking surgical forceps 500 a multi-purpose surgical instrument.

Referring to FIG. 4B, in conjunction with FIG. 3, another embodiment ofan end effector assembly configured for use with surgical forceps 500 isidentified by reference numeral 730. End effector assembly 730 includesjaw members 732, 734 having electrically-conductive plates 733, 735,respectively, and is configured to grasp, treat, and cut tissue, and alight-energy tissue-treating portion 740. End effector assembly 730 issimilar to end effector assembly 530 (FIG. 3), but differs from endeffector assembly 530 (FIGS. 3 and 4A) in that, rather than havinglight-energy tissue-treating portion 740 incorporated into the jawhousing of one of the jaw members, light-energy tissue-treating portion740 is incorporated into a tooth 738 extending distally from jaw housing736 of jaw member 732 and towards jaw member 734. More specifically,tooth 738, which serves as the body of light-energy tissue-treatingportion 740, is positioned such that, with jaw members 732, 734 disposedin the approximated position, tooth 738 overlaps a portion of jaw member734 such that sphere 742 of tissue-treating portion 740 is aligned witha longitudinal axis “X-X” of end effector assembly 730. Light-energytransmission cable 744 extends through jaw housing 736 of jaw member 732to tooth 738, wherein light-energy transmission cable 744 isproximally-spaced from sphere 742. Light-energy tissue-treating portion740 may be configured similarly to any of the embodiments oftissue-treating portion 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D) detailed above.Light-energy tissue-treating portion 740 also provides any of thefunctionality detailed above with respect to tissue-treating portion 140(FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D) together with the functionality of grasping,treating, and/or cutting tissue provided by jaw members 732, 734 suchthat effector assembly 730 defines a multi-function configuration.

Turning to FIG. 5, a robotic surgical system configured for use inaccordance with the present disclosure is shown generally identified byreference numeral 1000. Aspects and features of robotic surgical system1000 not germane to the understanding of the present disclosure areomitted to avoid obscuring the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure in unnecessary detail.

Robotic surgical system 1000 generally includes a plurality of robotarms 1002, 1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005coupled with control device 1004. Operating console 1005 may include adisplay device 1006, which may be set up in particular to displaythree-dimensional images; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by meansof which a person, e.g., a surgeon, may be able to telemanipulate robotarms 1002, 1003 in a first operating mode. Robotic surgical system 1000may be configured for use on a patient 1013 lying on a patient table1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner. Robotic surgicalsystem 1000 may further include a database 1014, in particular coupledto control device 1004, in which are stored, for example, pre-operativedata from patient 1013 and/or anatomical atlases.

Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members,which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011,to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool “ST.” One or moreof the surgical tools “ST” may include a light-energy tissue-treatingportion similar to those detailed above, thus providing suchfunctionality on a robotic surgical system 1000.

Robot arms 1002, 1003 may be driven by electric drives, e.g., motors,connected to control device 1004. Control device 1004, e.g., a computer,may be configured to activate the motors, in particular by means of acomputer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, theirattaching devices 1009, 1011, and, thus, the surgical tools “ST” executea desired movement and/or function according to a corresponding inputfrom manual input devices 1007, 1008, respectively. Control device 1004may also be configured in such a way that it regulates the movement ofrobot arms 1002, 1003 and/or of the motors.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely as examplesof particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity orunderstanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tissue-treating portion of a surgicalinstrument, comprising: a body defining a cavity; a light-energytransmissible sphere captured within the cavity such that a portion ofthe light-energy transmissible sphere protrudes from the body, thelight-energy transmissible sphere capable of unlimited rotation in alldirections relative to the body; and a light-energy transmission cableextending through the body to a position spaced-apart from thelight-energy transmissible sphere, the light-energy transmission cableconfigured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissiblesphere and the light-energy transmissible sphere configured to focus thelight energy towards tissue to treat tissue.
 2. The tissue-treatingportion according to claim 1, wherein the cavity of the body includes apocket and a distal mouth in communication with the pocket, thelight-energy transmissible sphere defining a diameter greater than adiameter of the distal mouth and less than a diameter of the pocket. 3.The tissue-treating portion according to claim 2, wherein thelight-energy transmission cable extends to a position proximallyspaced-apart from the light-energy transmissible sphere.
 4. Thetissue-treating portion according to claim 1, further comprising asecond light-energy transmission cable configured to transmit lightenergy to the light-energy transmissible sphere to treat tissue.
 5. Thetissue-treating portion according to claim 1, further comprising atleast one second light-energy transmission cable configured to detect atleast one property of tissue.
 6. The tissue-treating portion accordingto claim 1, further comprising a fluid delivery lumen disposed incommunication with the cavity and configured to deliver fluid to thecavity.
 7. The tissue-treating portion according to claim 6, furthercomprising a suction lumen operably associated with the body, thesuction lumen configured to permit withdrawal of the fluid from thesurgical site.
 8. The tissue-treating portion according to claim 1,further comprising a pressure sensor disposed within the cavity, thepressure sensor configured to sense a pressure of the sphere against aninterior surface of the body that defines the cavity.
 9. A surgicalinstrument, comprising: a shaft including a distal end portion having acavity defined therein, the cavity including a pocket and a distal mouthin communication with the pocket; a light-energy transmissible spheredisposed within the cavity, the light-energy transmissible spheredefining a diameter greater than a diameter of the distal mouth and lessthan a diameter of the pocket such that the light-energy transmissiblesphere is captured within the pocket with a portion of the light-energytransmissible sphere extending through the distal mouth to protrude fromthe distal end portion of the shaft, the light-energy transmissiblesphere capable of unlimited rotation in all directions relative to thedistal end portion of the shaft; and a light-energy transmission cableextending through the shaft to a position proximally spaced-apart fromthe light-energy transmissible sphere, the light-energy transmissioncable configured to transmit light energy to the light-energytransmissible sphere, the light-energy transmissible sphere configuredto focus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.
 10. Thesurgical instrument according to claim 9, further comprising at leastone second light-energy transmission cable configured to detect at leastone property of tissue.
 11. The surgical instrument according to claim9, further comprising a fluid-delivery lumen extending through the shaftand disposed in communication with the cavity, wherein thefluid-delivery lumen is configured to deliver fluid to the cavity. 12.The surgical instrument according to claim 11, further comprising asuction lumen operably associated with the shaft, the suction lumenconfigured to permit withdrawal of the fluid from the surgical site. 13.The surgical instrument according to claim 9, further comprising apressure sensor disposed within the cavity, the pressure sensorconfigured to sense a pressure of the sphere against an interior surfaceof the distal end portion of the shaft that defines the cavity.
 14. Thesurgical instrument according to claim 9, further comprising a handle,wherein the shaft is coupled to and extends distally from the handle,the handle including an activation switch selectively activatable tosupply light energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere.
 15. Asurgical instrument, comprising: a shaft; an end effector assemblyextending distally from the shaft, the end effector assembly including:first and second jaw members, at least one of the first or second jawmembers movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart positionand an approximated position, at least one of the first or second jawmembers adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissuegrasped between the jaw members; a body operably associated with one ofthe first or second jaw members, the body defining a cavity including apocket and a distal mouth in communication with the pocket; alight-energy transmissible sphere disposed within the cavity, thelight-energy transmissible sphere defining a diameter greater than adiameter of the distal mouth and less than a diameter of the pocket suchthat the light-energy transmissible sphere is captured within the pocketwith a portion of the light-energy transmissible sphere extendingthrough the distal mouth to protrude distally from the body, thelight-energy transmissible sphere capable of unlimited rotation in alldirections relative to the body; and a light-energy transmission cableextending through the shaft and the one of the first or second jawmembers to a position proximally spaced-apart from the light-energytransmissible sphere, the light-energy transmission cable configured totransmit light energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere, thelight-energy transmissible sphere configured to focus the light energytowards tissue to treat tissue.
 16. The surgical instrument according toclaim 15, wherein the light-energy transmissible sphere is aligned witha longitudinal axis of the end effector assembly at least when the firstand second jaw members are disposed in the approximated position. 17.The surgical instrument according to claim 15, further comprising atleast a second light-energy transmission cable configured to transmitlight energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere to treat tissue ordetect at least one property of tissue.
 18. The surgical instrumentaccording to claim 15, further comprising a fluid-delivery lumendisposed in communication with the cavity, wherein the fluid-deliverylumen is configured to deliver fluid to the cavity.
 19. The surgicalinstrument according to claim 18, further comprising a suction lumenoperably associated with the end effector assembly, the suction lumenconfigured to permit withdrawal of the fluid from the surgical site. 20.The surgical instrument according to claim 15, further comprising apressure sensor disposed within the cavity, the one pressure sensorconfigured to sense a pressure of the sphere against an interior surfaceof the body that defines the cavity.